Monday, November 1, 2010

"I suppose you can sum up a man's life with a few words, but I need to put this story down to fill in the missing pieces. Or perhaps I can convince the people who know me as a hermit that there was some reason for it all. But this is not really for those outside looking in. This is for me.

Some people say Billy Allman has a heart of gold. Others say he's a bit odd. The truth is, they're all right. He's a hillbilly genius - a collector, a radio whiz - and he can make the mandolin sing. Though he dreams of making an impact on the world beyond the hills and hollers of Dogwood, West Virginia, things just always seem to go wrong.

But however insignificant Billy's life seems, it had not gone unnoticed. Malachi is an angel sent to observe and protect Billy. Though it's not his dream assignment, Malachi always follows orders. And as Billy's story unfolds, Malachi slowly begins to see the bigger picture - that each step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful song that will forever change the lives of those who hear it." - (Excerpt from back cover).

My Review:

I absolutely adored this heartwarming story of the life of a man who lives life to the fullest in helping others the way Jesus would have instructed us all to live ours. Holding on to his childlike faith along the way when life hands him difficulties that most would run from, Billy instead turns to the One who can see further down the road than he can. This book is the story about Billy's life and the lives of those that are woven into his through being a part of his family, living next door or simply loving him. We get an opportunity to witness a different side as well through the eyes of an angel called Malachi whose duty at the moment is to protect Billy. In his views, we get a glimpse into the unseen world and the spiritual battle that takes place each and every day.

I loved this book, Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry, and since it comes during the holidays, it made for the perfect book to review. This really takes you into the choices that each of us face everyday and show us the good and bad sides to them as well. I received this book, compliments of Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review and say I loved it. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. For more information on this book, the author and where to purchase a copy click on the title below:

Friday, October 15, 2010

I just wanted to ask you all to pray for my brother Ken and his family who are going through a rough time right now. Ken was admitted via ambulance to the local hospital near us for a severe case on pneumonia. I was at the hospital with his wife and kids who are strong and trying to get through this. His wife Tina was told that if they did not call the hospital last night he would have passed away in the middle of the night last night. Since being admitted he has had good care and his vital signs have improved. However, his right lung is completely full of fluid or is collapsed according to the x-ray they took last night and his kidneys and heart rate was very low.

They have him on a ventilator and are performing a CAT scan to see if they can insert a chest tube into his right lung to inflate it and see if they can drain some of the fluid. They are also going to do a Bronchiotomy, which is inserting a camera down his airway into his lungs to look for damage and to take a biopsy to see if his right lung is beyond repair.

Please pray for my brother that he may get better and that he may give himself to the Lord before anything happens to him. I have also asked my wife Kat over at Heart2Heart.

Kat has much more followers than I do so she has many more contacts and friends who are out there praying for him right now.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Little do we know how much is at stake every time we hand over our country, the greatest country in the world to someone whom is unqualified for the position much less can change our future with the brush of a pen stroke.

This video shot bolts of lightning up my spine when I viewed it for the first time. I watched it several times and each time I did it made me more upset that I have have to live under our current president's rule.

Power to the people! We need to stand up for something or we will fall for anything!

So often we forget what this country was founded on which was religious freedom. Freedom to follow what we know is right and not what is told to us to follow.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

We were made for so much more than the things of this world. Sometimes we can sense it...we have a restless, dissatisfied feeling that we don't quite belong here, that this is not our final home. Yet who do you know who has been to the next world? Sure, you may have heard stories of white light and tunnels and near-death experiences. But what if there was a person who had been to Heaven - who had actually walked through the gates - and stayed long enough to learn about the things of God? Would you be interested in what he had to stay?

Meet Alex Malarkey. Alex and his dad, Kevin, were in a car accident so horrific that emergency workers recommended calling the coroner to the scene for Alex. For the next two months, Alex lingered in a coma. When he finally awoke, he revealed something amazing: He had spent time in Heaven with Jesus while unconscious and had come back with astonishing revelations about what he had seen, heard, and experienced.

You may be intrigued. You may be skeptical. You may be hungry to know more about what lies beyond life on earth. Join Alex on his journey... and your life may be changed forever. "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children." - Mark 10:14 (excerpt from inside cover).

My Review: I have no doubt in my mind what so ever that the things Alex and his father Kevin share in their personal true story called The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Alex and Kevin Malarkey, is 100% true. The pictures contained in the book are so undeniable that Alex's injury that he sustained that day in the car accident with his father, should have a different outcome. He shouldn't have survived. No one with that type of injury severing their spinal colon from their skull at the base of the neck, shouldn't be alive.

Yet despite all the doctors and eye witnesses, Alex continues to be a personal testimony to the amazing power of what God can do when people gather together to pray. ALL things are possible with God, not just some. And that is the point Alex is making in sharing his story in this wonderful book. It's not about him, it's about the hope that lies within all of us that have that relationship with God. The story Alex tells of his personal time in heaven is amazing even though he can't begin to accurately describe it knowing our earth and words today. The angels, the Throne Room of God, the Inner and Outer parts of Heaven, Hell and the devil and his demons are all something Alex has been given the opportunity to have the veil of the unseen world removed. He can see things now that none of us can.

This is Alex's life testimony and one you can continue to view on PrayforAlex.com to see his ongoing progress, and personal pictures of the healing power of God so far in his life. He still has a way to go, but God will heal this amazing child and use him in powerful way to bring God all the glory.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book through Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review and rate this a perfect 10 stars. It's a book you can't pass up. It will change your life forever. I know it has changed mine. This book is available in hardcover, DVD and CD.

He did. God stampeded the first-century society with swaybacks, not thoroughbreds. Before Jesus came along, the disciples were loading trucks, coaching soccer, and selling Slupee drinks at the convenience store.

Their collars were blue, and their hands were calloused, and there is no evidence that Jesus chose them because they were smarter or nicer than the guy next door. The one thing they had going for them was a willingness to take a step when Jesus said, "Follow me."

Are you more dinghy than cruise ship? More stand-in than movie star? More blue jeans than blue blood? Congratulations. God changes the world with folks like you. (Excerpt back cover).

In the book, Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado, he takes each of us through the first couple of chapters in Acts to show us how our lives are very similar to the people in each of the chapters and the differences they made and how we can do the very same things. We simply need one thing. A willingness to do it. That's it. We need more yes's and a lot less no's!

Max in his usual way of writing directly from the heart and as a close, personal friend touches your heart and shows you the different ways we can all begin to take care of people around us. He provides perfect examples of everyday people who made less than $1.25 a day and they too are changing lives. So what's our excuse? Find out by reading Max's latest book!

I received this book, compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review and believe every single person living today should read this book.

Monday, July 5, 2010

I just wanted to take time to say happy 4th and Happy Independence day to all!!!!

I also wanted to reach out to all of the Armed Services and wish them a happy and safe Independence Day as well! Thank you for you whom have fought and who are still fighting to keep us safe in the Greatest Nation in the World! I am so proud to call myself an American and to know that we have men and women who have volunteered to keep us safe!

It is amazing that we are one of the few countries in the world that started as a volunteer army and continues that great tradition to this day. Happy Independence Weekend to you and your family!!!!

Friday, June 25, 2010

I just wanted to thank everyone who has been praying for us as a family to help me find a job in this tough economy. Through some contacts It looks as if I might be getting an offer letter next week some time for a pretty good salary. It is still in the Telecommunications Industry doing the same type of work I was doing called DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) I will be working as a vendor for a company called American Tower installing their DAS equipment into large shopping indoor/outdoor malls, hospitals, and generally places where outside signal coverage does not penetrate into buildings.

I know through my wife Kat's blog she had put a prayer post out there quite some time ago and thank you all so much for praying for us. Most of all thank you God for laying this job at my feet at your time and only when you wanted this to happen for my family. It does look as if I will be traveling some, but I don't think it will be half as much as I was used to at my old company. I was able to do some blog hopping and saw that Greg over at Greg's General Store posted his Thankful Thursday.

I am thankful for God giving me such a wonderful wife and family. I have been stressing about being laid off and not being able to find a job. I had been taking so much of life's stresses and frustrations internally, not sleeping, not eating well that I finally realized that I had to give it all to God! I had to literally pray and say God I give all of my stresses and frustrations and I lay them at your feet! Father you know more than I and you will lay a job in front of me at your time and I am to trust and have faith that you know all and will enter the rest of you Lord. You are a gracious and loving God and you have known that this obstacle would come before me and you already have your plans to keep me safe in your Grace. You have helped to show me the possibilities in life instead of the frustrations of life!

My wife Kat over at Heart to Hearthas really helped me to realize how much I am in need to just keep praying and seek the Lord's wisdom that he knows all and will take care of us. She has helped me see that so many times in the past when we have been in need and he has been there for us every single time. I thank all of you for being there for us. And I now keep you in my prayers and thoughts.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Here is a picture of the quilt we finished last week. This quilt has been a long time in the making as it has been folded up in our closet for almost 2 years I would say. I finally decided that while I had the sewing machine still out to finish the quilt. It it the largest quilt we completed and is almost big enough to fit a twin size bed.

It is a standard 9 patch quilt pattern purple and white with a purple border. Below is the full size showing the pattern. Hope you like it as it is a new addition to our home.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Hi everyone out there, here is the next addition to the first quilt we made. The first quilt we made was for theDowny Quilts for Kids Programwhich came out great! I included the link if you would like to join. Anyway here is a picture of the next quilt we made for our little Nephew Sean. We kind of did last minute so there isn't too much detail. We just knew we had to make it pretty quickly as we were visiting the next day and Little Sean's blanket that he uses was pretty torn up.

I used the remaining material from when we made our daughter Kailee's quilt several years ago. We wanted it it to be very colorful, vibrant and have something that has features that Sean can count when he has it. I sewed around most of the fish so they pop out of the quilt when you look at it. I made a quick yellow border around the outside and then double folded the back over and finished quilting the borders. Here is a picture of the back. You can see the sew pattern around the fish if you look hard enough.

Here is the last picture of the completed front of the quilt. When we gave it to Sean he started yelling bubbles! I guess in his mind he saw bubbles. Well that is it for now. I will post pictures of the last quilt we made last week.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Hi everyone,I have been trying to stay busy while waiting for the phone to ring for possible new jobs. So, while I have had time I have been staying busy quilting, YES YOU HEARD RIGHT QUILTING LOL! I was kind of raised when I was a kid watching my Mom and Grandma quilt on these over sized saw horse like looking things back in the old days when there were no quilting machines. I started quilting when my wife and I thought it would be a good idea to try to start a quilt to see how hard it would be. I think we were going to give it away to Kat's Mom as a Mother's day present I believe but I am not sure. I am sure that my wife will correct me though letting me know what our first quilt was, and that will be left for another story down the road.

Well now that I have some time on my hands I have been finishing some quilts that needed to get done as we have had them for some time. My wife had signed up for the Downy Quilts for Kids program to start helping children that are stuck in the hospitals for a long period of time. I have added a link to the program if you would like to see the stories and see if you would be interested in joining. Kat from Heart 2 Heart had signed up for the program back in December I believe, but that was when she was having medical problems so the quilt kind of just stayed in the closet until we had time to finish it. I just registered it at the Downy website do it might take a few days for it to show up. Here are some pictures of it for you to see.

Here is the first picture of the quilt we completed this last Tuesday. Below is an actual picture of me sewing the quilt for all of you non-believers Ha!

So this is the first of three quilts that we have completed the past week. I will post the next quilt we finished for our little baby nephew Sean tomorrow. Hope you all had a great weekend!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Well hello everyone out there in Blog-land USA! It has been a while since I have posted hasn't it! I am sorry for not updating and/or blogging for a while as I was extremely busy with work. Now that I have been laid off, I find myself being extremely bored trying to find new things to do. I have painted part of our house, stained the gazebo over our jacuzzi, cleaned out my toolbox and tool bag (now that I am not using it much anymore). In other words, My mind is racing and it is hard to put on the brakes and pray to God that he finds me a position in a company that keeps me close to home. Work is so sparse out here that I am seriously stressing if I am going to find anything in the near future. I know it has only been one week since I have not been working, but I am that kind of person who has to be doing something or I will drive my wife (Kat over at Heart 2 Heart ) and our kids absolutely CRAZY!

My wife and I have talked about my issue several times and I know she is sick of hearing it, I just wish she knew how much I love her and our wonderful kids that I worry about making our mortgage payment, bills and just being the provider I am supposed to be. She has said so many times that she doesn't care where we live or how we live just as long as we are together. Now my problem with that is I do care where we live and how we live. I am supposed to be a Godly man and look to our father in heaven for an answer to my prayers which is God, father in heaven, please see you way to give me strength in these troubled times and lead me to a new job. I lay these stresses and worries at your feet, your will be done. AMEN!

Now that I have said this and prayed, I am hoping to give myself enough peace to not do a whole Extreme Home Makeover!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White - how many girls, at some point, dream of being a princess like these fairy-tale characters?

In Raising a Modern Day Princess, authors Pam Farrel and Doreen Hanna, come alongside mothers and mentors to offer practical help in raising a generation of women to see themselves as God sees them - as daughters of the King, true modern-day princesses. In an easy-to-use step-by-step style, the authors show moms how to create a fun-filled and life changing rite-of-passage experience celebrating their daughters' crossover into womanhood. There's also an entire chapter to help dads and father figures understand the vital role that they play in their daughter's lives. With personal stories and advice from real moms and daughters, this book speaks to the heart of every woman who longs to instill in her daughter a true sense of purpose, value, and strength...(back cover excerpt).

I absolutely adored this book and I received it at the perfect time while my oldest daughter is entering her senior year. It provided me with the opportunity in the short time I have left with my oldest to do all I can in this coming year to be the dad, and mentor I need to be to instill in her, all that God wants her to be. The quotes scattered throughout the book are right from fairy tales and famous movies that instill the positive qualities we hope our daughters will carry on into their lives, families and marriages.

The book talks to not only moms but as women the girls whose lives they touch as friends and mentors and how important it is for them to take the time and really teach these younger women what a Proverbs 31 woman is really like.

In one chapter, it talks about providing a ceremony where you can provide their first promise ring and teach them the importance on staying holy, or you can use a graduation from high school to gather together friends and family to share their insights on watching her grow from childhood to becoming an adult. I personally think its what every daughter truly dreams of, is that recognition that she is an adult and thus, how proud of her and her accomplishments in getting this far.

I received this book compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for this review and like I said, its great for anyone who impacts the lives of girls under 21, be it grandparents, pastors, parents, family members and friends. This is a must have. There is so much knowledge to be gained by reading this book and hoping it makes me a more profound role model in my daughter's life

For more information about this book, and where you can purchase a copy, click on the link below:http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/1_products/details.asp?isbn=978-1-58997-574-3

Friday, April 30, 2010

A Map, written in code, and hidden in the gospel of Matthew, reveals a truth so explosive it could rock the foundations of Christianity or lead to its rebirth.

A cleric appears out of the rain-spattered darkness, bearing a mysterious message: a long-lost map with the power to transform men is on the verge of being discovered. Thrown headlong into a global chase, author David Murrow must race to find the map before it falls into the wrong hands and disappears forever.

The Map, by David Murrow, which begins as an action thriller and then transitions into a modern-day parable, reveals the path every great man – including Christ himself – has walked.

In this dynamic follow-up to the best-selling Why Men Hate Going to Church, Murrow cleverly translates the masculine spiritual life into an actual, ink-on-paper map. Then he shows men where to find the map in the New Testament and how to walk it’s ancient paths today.

Church is too feminine. But if a man is to become whole (emotionally and spiritually), he must shed his macho pretensions and do things that many would consider girly. The softer virtues do play a vital role in a man’s spiritual development. Christian men can’t simply ignore commands such as “turn the other cheek” because they seem unmanly. Every guy needs a good boo-hoo now and then.

But if a man gets too acquainted with his softer side, he risks becoming a softy. This is a huge problem in the church today. Authors such as John Eldredge, Bill Perkins, Mark Gungor, and Paul Coughlin have all noted the emasculating effect that modern Christianity is having on men.

So where is the balance point? How can men get in touch with their feminine side without becoming feminized? One day I stumbled across the answer. I discovered the ancient map to manhood – in a most unexpected way.

I received a copy of The Map, compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and must say, I truly believe every man should read this book. Just like the statement above the book deals with both sides of a man, the masculine and the feminine side or softer, sensitive side, that all men have. This book teaches you how to balance those two extremes for us men, without being overly sentimental and not sensitive enough.

If you would like more information on this book including where to purchase your own copy, click on the link below:

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who is praying forKat at Heart to Heart!She has been doing very well as far as mentally these past few days and I am positive it has been because of all of you out there responding back through Gods great strength. We just went through "Stage 3" as my wife has been calling it with finishing up the pre-op blood tests, chest x-rays and EKG test just to make sure she is healthy enough for the surgery. So now the next step is to just keep her happy and well rested until tomorrow morning. I still have the prayer button (now fixed and on my right side bar) for everyone who wants to put it on your blog while Kathy is recovering from surgery.

If you could be so kind as to mail her and email her while she is out for the next few days recovering. I know that she LOVES receiving mail from all of her friends out there in the Blogging World! So if you have the chance and can write her a postcard, letter, or even just a little note saying hi and that you are praying for her it would be so appreciated! You have been such a blessing to her, more than you will ever know.Thank you and keep those letters coming in! If you need our mailing address, please email me at stevenkat27@verizon.net or pirate2768@verizon.net and I will be happy to send you our address.

Keep the Faith,

Oh one more little Idea I wanted to share with all of you! We were at the hospital yesterday when a woman walked in front of us wearing a shirt that really caught my attention.

It said

"Dear God,

Why do you let all of our children suffer through so much violence and pain in our schools!

Monday, March 22, 2010

I have put together a little Prayer for Kathy awareness button so many of you can put it on your Blogs for this week. She is having her Hysterectomy and exploratory surgery on Thursday at 7:00 am with a check-in time at 5am. Hopefully if all goes well the surgery should only last an hour to an hour and a half, then on to recovery. I have attached a prayer button for everyone who wants to put this on their site to please keep her in your prayers this week.

I am so thankful to have her in my life that I would do anything to keep her from having any pain, much less the pain she has been in.So grab the button on the right side bar and add her to your prayers if you would be so kind.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Well, it is finally coming down to the final week and I know that Kathy fromHeart 2 Heart has been waiting for this moment to happen for a long, LONG time. She is finally having her Hysterectomy to get rid of the pain she has been experiencing for almost 5 months now. I am hoping and praying daily now for her surgery to go smoothly and that her recovery be free of pain. I know that she is excited and intrepid at the same time about the surgery and has gotten so much positive feedback from all of you, her blogging friends out there. You have all been so kind and I cannot let you know how much it means to her to have developed the friendships from her Blog over the past year.Kathy, I love you so much and just know that you mean the world to me in every way shape and form.

Without Gods great fortune of putting us together I do not know where I would be today, but I am sure that I would not be near as happy and have such a fruitful life. Having you as my wife is the most wonderful joy I could ever experience. I know I don't show you as much as I should how much I love you, but just know that you next to God are the most important thing in my life.

I can't wait until the surgery is done and to see you happy and healthy again.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

I just wanted to take the time to say hi to everyone and try to catch up on my blog. I am going to be visiting all of the friends out there that are following my blog. I just wanted to post a picture that I saw today and stop in to visit.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to receive mail from God? What would it be like to open up your mailbox and just once find a letter with a heavenly postmark? Would it even need a stamp? And what if it contained very loving and personal words from your heavenly Father – the sort of thoughts you would treasure all the days of your life?

Why doesn’t God send us mail? Or at least communicate with us directly?

In all my years of talking to Christians who experience doubts about their faith, this sort of question is the most common. Who can be blamed for wanting to hear from God – especially when we’re hurting? Isn’t it natural to want to hear from someone we love?

In times of trouble and suffering we cry out to God…but sometimes it feels like He doesn’t hear.

When we’re walking through pain, it’s easy to feel alone on the journey. If God truly loves us, then why can’t we sense His presence? Has he abandoned us when we need Him the most? Or it is possible that He’s speaking into our lives in ways we don’t yet understand?

In Why is God Ignoring Me? scholar, author and apologist, Gary Habermas walks you through what the Bible has to say about suffering, explains where we can find God in our own times of suffering and disappointment and shares heartfelt personal insights from others who’ve been where we are.

I received a complimentary copy of Why Is God Ignoring Me? From Tyndale House Publishers for my humble review. I must say I found profound comfort in the stories that Gary shares with the readers of this book that God is not ignoring us. We may simply be looking in all the wrong places for His answers or not listening when He speaks. I would therefore, highly recommend this book to anyone asking themselves this very same question.

For more information on this book and where to purchase this please use the link below.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

If you're a church going guy, if you like sports, and if you want to grow closer to the Lord, You need to get this book! Some days it is not always easy! This book is really a discipleship manual that focuses on helping you live a victorious Christian life! The book itself is designed to be a 40 day 'Spiritual Game Plan' so right away we see that biblical number that the Lord uses to bring His people through trials so that His purposes can be fulfilled!

What I liked about this book is the depth in which I was able to use it to study. It was not your average "I'm going to read a verse and a poem and then I'll be all set for the day" Bible study! This book challenged me every time that I opened it! To be honest it was hard to put down!

I also liked the consistency of each chapter. As I mentioned above, each chapter is broken down into sections that are consistent. I looked forward to reading the Coach's corner in each chapter that I read to see what the "coach" would have to say! It’s written in such a way that any man could easily relate to it. The book does not hit you over the head with scripture, but instead allows you to step back and see how biblical teaching touches you daily life and how you can incorporate it in your daily life!

I was provided with a complimentary copy of Living Life In The Zone: A 40 Day Spiritual Game Plan for Men by Kyle Rote and Joe Pettigrew from Thomas Nelson Publishers to review and I would highly recommend this book! What a great birthday, anniversary or even a Father’s Day book for any man looking to live a more Godly life!

Saturday, January 16, 2010

So often the world says, “You’re average. You are merely one in six billion. You need to be content and settle for whatever comes your way.”

Or have any of these thoughts crossed your mind recently?

When I look at my life and the way the world is today, I don’t see much to be excited about.

When thinking about your job, do you find yourself saying this, “I can’t go any higher, do any better, or go any farther. I can’t do more than I am doing right now.”?

Others feel that their lives have gone stale. Perhaps their marriages aren’t as dynamic as they once were, or they have lost all interest in hobbies and activities that once gave them pleasure.

But almighty God, the heavenly Father who crafted you as a uniquely gifted individual, knows better He gave you a purpose here on earth and has equipped you specially to fulfill it. If you will seek Him, He will awaken your passion for that purpose in ways you never imagined.

In How to Reach Your Full Potential for God by Dr. Charles Stanley challenges you to pursue the Lord in ways that will stir passion and purpose that is both spiritual and practical. He says such devotion leads to a life of fulfillment that many seek but don’t find.

God has not only created you with the gifts and talents to do His work on this earth, but He also has created you with the desires, dreams, and disposition to become a person with whom He enjoys fellowship and spiritual intimacy. No one can fully understand the depths of His love, the help that He desires to give, or the blessings and rewards that He has prepared.

This book has been a huge eye opener for me. Not only about what I personally thought about certain areas of my life, but what I expected from God and what He expects from me. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who feels stuck, discouraged or adrift in your life right now. You need to remember God has placed more within you than you realize, and you likely have settled for the life you have now. So if you’re ready to see what your possibilities are, I would recommend reading this book.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book for review for Thomas Nelson publishers.